Taking Chance

I am watching this on HBO right now. It is a great story so far. If you can, try to catch it. It premiered tonight, but I'm sure it will be on plenty more times. I know it is on again tonight at 11:45 and tomorrow at 7:30

In April 2004, Lieutenant Colonel Michael Strobl, USMC, came across the name of 19-year-old Lance Corporal Chance Phelps, a young Marine who had been killed by hostile fire in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. Strobl, a Desert Storm veteran with 17 years of military service, requested that he be assigned for military escort duty to accompany Chance's remains to his family in Dubois, Wyo.

Witnessing the spontaneous outpouring of support and respect for the fallen Marine - from the groundskeepers he passed along the road to the cargo handlers at the airport - Strobl was moved to capture the experience in his personal journal. His first-person account, which began as an official trip report, gives an insight into the military's policy of providing a uniformed escort for all casualties. The story became an Internet phenomenon when it was widely circulated throughout the military community and eventually reached the mainstream media.

'Taking Chance' chronicles one of the silent, virtually unseen journeys that takes place every day across the country, bearing witness to the fallen and all those who, literally and figuratively, carry them home. A uniquely non-political film about the war in Iraq, the film pays tribute to all of the men and women who have given their lives in military service as well as their families.

An HBO Films presentation of a Motion Picture Corporation of America and Civil Dawn Pictures production, Taking Chance marks the directorial debut of two-time Oscar®-nominated producer Ross Katz ('Lost in Translation'). The screenplay is by Lt. Col Michael R. Strobl, USMC (Ret.) and Ross Katz, based on the journal of the same name by Strobl, who also serves as military consultant. Strobl, who recently retired after serving 24 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, developed the original story with the strong support of Phelps' parents, John Phelps and Gretchen Mack. The executive producers are Brad Krevoy ('A Love Song for Bobby Long'), Cathy Wischner-Sola and Ross Katz; the co-executive producer is William Teitler (HBO's 'Empire Falls'); and the producer is Lori Keith Douglas ('The Notorious Bettie Page'). HBO Films vice president Jenni Sherwood is the executive in charge of the production.

Which branch, Howie? As an officer, there are pretty interesting career paths, with early retirement and "double dipping". As enlisted, unless he has a unique skill level, I dunno, either, but we need him, for sure!

[quote author=Da Budman link=topic=24481.msg332041#msg332041 date=1235307385]Which branch, Howie? As an officer, there are pretty interesting career paths, with early retirement and "double dipping". As enlisted, unless he has a unique skill level, I dunno, either, but we need him, for sure![/quote]

Thats the point he is choosing NOT to go as an officer.He wants Army, infantry, paratrooper.He would make a fine officer.

Make it Great day! Howard Spiva

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Great spirits often encounter violent opposition from mediocre minds ~Albert

[quote author=spivalaw link=topic=24481.msg332201#msg332201 date=1235325749][quote author=Da Budman link=topic=24481.msg332041#msg332041 date=1235307385]Which branch, Howie? As an officer, there are pretty interesting career paths, with early retirement and "double dipping". As enlisted, unless he has a unique skill level, I dunno, either, but we need him, for sure![/quote]

Thats the point he is choosing NOT to go as an officer.He wants Army, infantry, paratrooper.He would make a fine officer.[/quote]

So he WANTS to be cannon fodder/front line/whatever-you-wanna-call-it? Has he shown any other self-harm/suicidal tendencies? Sorry if that's blunt, but someone with a college degree that could join as a officer choosing, instead, to join as infantry in today's world, really sounds suicidal to me.

[quote author=spivalaw link=topic=24481.msg332201#msg332201 date=1235325749][quote author=Da Budman link=topic=24481.msg332041#msg332041 date=1235307385]Which branch, Howie? As an officer, there are pretty interesting career paths, with early retirement and "double dipping". As enlisted, unless he has a unique skill level, I dunno, either, but we need him, for sure![/quote]

Thats the point he is choosing NOT to go as an officer.He wants Army, infantry, paratrooper.He would make a fine officer.[/quote]

It was an awesome show. My sons and I really felt moved by it. I cried of course. I just wonder how many escorts actually do turn down cots to never leave the body alone? I hope its all of them! Either way, great film, great acting by Bacon.

[quote author=BadBoy74 link=topic=24481.msg335441#msg335441 date=1236041663]Watched it last night. Excellent production and wonderful performance by Bacon. How anyone could watch that and continue to trash our men and women in uniform is beyond me. :([/quote]

Amen!

Unfortunately, I've seen the real-life thing. Has anyone ever seen a mother jump on top of her son's coffin? It's a sight I hope [i]none[/i] of you ever have to witness.

The only difference now is, as with all parents of military children-especially of those deployed, I take a deep breath when I make the last turn to my house. If I ever see "the vehicle" in front of my house I'm not sure that I would be able to stop at my house, but I know I would have to, for my wife's sake.

I don't know how the other services notify when death is by other than combat, but the Corps notifies in person regardless of being by an IED or a car accident.

[quote author=teckman51 link=topic=24481.msg335931#msg335931 date=1236175511]I don't know how the other services notify when death is by other than combat, but the Corps notifies in person regardless of being by an IED or a car accident.

God bless our troops.

Have a Great Day.[/quote]

All branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard) notify in person with a CAO and a Chaplain.

What an incredible movie! I cried for almost two solid hours, and continued another hour after the movie was over. Reminded me of what my friend (Erik)'s escort (also a friend) told me about the journey from Iraq to Vermont.